The Most Common Causes of Back Pain (and how to treat them)

The most common causes of back pain (and how to treat them)

Discover how to avoid and treat back pain

Almost all of us have experienced back pain of some kind at one time or another. It is one of the most common health conditions to affect adults in the UK and around the world. In fact, back pain is the number one reason we, as a nation, take time off work and it is the largest single cause of disability in the UK. In total, back pain is thought to cost the National Health Service around £500 million a year.

Even daily tasks you may think of as harmless can put strain on your back and result in increased discomfort over time. But understanding the potential causes of back pain can help you to protect yourself against the issue.

There are a number of measures you can take to treat back pain effectively and reduce the risk of its return. These can include regular stretching, mobility work and strengthening exercises, but can also involve simple changes at home and at work, such as altering seat and screen positioning at a work desk. With so many contributing factors to back pain, it is always best to seek help from expert pain specialists in London to provide you with a targeted back pain treatment plan.

The symptoms of back pain

The first thing to know about lower back pain (the most common form of back pain) is that there can be any number of reasons for the pain. While the general symptoms can feel similar, the underlying problems causing the discomfort can actually be quite varied.

While some people suffer from back pain caused by a trauma – resulting in a sudden, acute pain – the majority of sufferers actually find that back pain actually develops over time as a chronic problem.

Often, a mild ache in the lower back can worsen and become a sharper shooting pain. This symptom may also be accompanied by:

Pain that radiates down your leg

Pain that is worsened by movements such as walking, standing, lifting or bending

Back pain also often leads to limited flexibility, and a reduced range of motion, particularly in movements that place strain on the spine.

When to see a professional

If your back pain doesn’t improve with rest and basic stretching, consider seeking the help of expert pain specialists in London or your local area. Physiotherapists can not only treat the immediate pain and symptoms associated with your back pain; they can also look deeper at the underlying problems that may be contributing to your discomfort or making you susceptible to recurring problems in the future.

You should also seek out a physiotherapist if your pain extends down one or both legs, or if you feel significantly less mobile and weaker as a result of your pain. In rare circumstances, back pain can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If you’re experiencing back pain for the first time over the age of 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use or substance abuse, then contact a doctor. You should also consult a doctor is your back pain causes bowel problems, is accompanied by fever or follows a serious injury.

The causes of back pain

As we have already discussed, back pain can be characterised as either acute pain or chronic pain. But these types of injury can be broken down further when into the following:

Muscle or ligament strain: Strain on the muscles is a key cause of back pain, often brought about by sudden or awkward heavy lifting. Constant strain on the spine can cause painful muscle spasms, especially if you aren’t exercising regularly.

Arthritis: Back pain can be a sign of a wider condition, such as osteoarthritis. This can seriously affect the lower back, and can sometimes lead to a narrowing of the spine around the spinal cord which can make pain worse.

Bulging or ruptured discs: Discs act as cushions between the bones of your spine, but the soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. This can result in severe back pain.

Osteoporosis: The vertebrae of the spine can develop compression fractures if your bones become brittle, and this is what’s known as osteoporosis. One of the early warning signs of this condition is spinal pain.

Skeletal irregularities: If your spine curves abnormally, back pain can occur. This can be the result of conditions like scoliosis or simply poor posture.

Risk factors associated with back pain

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of developing back pain, such as:

Age: Back pain becomes more common as you get older, starting in your 30s and 40s

Lack of exercise: A lack of exercise results in weaker muscles up and down the length of the back, which can make them more prone to pain

Excess weight: If you are overweight, you are giving your spine more weight to carry, which puts additional pressure on your back.

Improper lifting: Lifting heavy items requires a specific method to avoid pain. Lifting with your back instead of your legs can place unnecessary strain on the spine and lead to pain or injury

Smoking: Smoking is well known for being one of the least healthy habits you can have. But while much of the focus is on the damage that smoking can cause to the lungs and cardiovascular system, it is also apparent that smoking can impact on spinal health and the musculoskeletal system.

Psychological conditions: Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can make you more prone to poor posture and poorer overall health, which puts you at greater risk of back pain.

Preventing & treating back pain

Preventing back pain is largely about keeping your back healthy and strong. Regular low-impact aerobic exercise is a great start for those who wish to not only build up their fitness but also increase the strength of their back.

A focus on flexibility and mobility work is also key to long-term back health. This can help to ensure that the spine remains in a neutral position and that the muscles surrounding the spine are able to contract and relax as intended. Yoga and Pilates are considered to be particularly beneficial in maintaining and improving strength and flexibility.

Building muscle strength and flexibility in your back and core can significantly reduce your chances of back pain, as can maintaining a healthy weight. Even making changes to your work station – including your chair ergonomics, desk height and the position of your monitor – can have a very real impact on your back health.

To treat back pain effectively, seek advice from pain relief experts who can treat your symptoms first-hand and provide you with a detailed care plan of how to reduce your back pain at home.

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Exceptional service! Rugby injury on my knee 2 weeks ago put me out of action. I was recommended by a friend who had great results from Mike and Laura so I booked in immediately. Clinic is easy to find and they have a lift which really helped as when I went I was on crutches. Very friendly and reassuring and the top guys around for sports injuries.

Mike is the first person I go to when ever I am in pain. His help over the years has been nothing but exceptional. I would highly recommend if you have any type of back pain or such and need fast results.

Trapped nerve problem gone! I recently started to try and get in to shape by taking up martial arts and after years of prolonged poor posture problems (incorrect seating position at work) it finally caught up with me. I woke up with a dead arm and panicked a little if I'm honest and had a sharp pain in my neck and shoulder. I immediately spoke to my GP who said they could refer me for Physiotherapy but it would be at least a week before I was given an appointment date. I turned to Google and found Kuer Physiotherapy Clinic and called up. I got an appointment the same day and called in during my lunch break. I was impressed with the clinic itself and hope easy it was to find, the receptionist offered me a drink and said that I would be going in a few minutes. I met with Laura (my physio) who gave me a full examination and I explained that I was probably at fault but also had recently the week before been in a road traffic accident. Diagnoses with a few different issues, 1 from the terrible seating posture and years of neglect and the other from the accident. I have never been to a physio before but have seen chiropractors on a few occasions. I never found chiropractic to be as successful or immediate but had worked in the past. With the Physio treatment after the first session alone and something literally clicked and the pain subsided massively. I have now had 3 sessions and I feel as good as new. But rather than leave it there I have booked in for a follow up health check in 4 weeks time to make sure things are as they should be. I wasn't aware of the damage sitting badly could cause and have taken their advice or re-arranging my workstation, which is already making a big difference. I cannot recommend enough the team at KUER and their expertise. I do not only recommend anyone else to go see them but I will not be going anywhere else in future. 5stars!

I first came across Mike Squirrell about 7 months ago after looking online for someone to help me with my neck. After the first session the pain has subsided massively and within the next 2 sessions i felt no pain whatsoever. For anyone looking for an answer to pain I would highly recommend Mike.

Mike has been treating me for over 2 years on an off and I won't see another physio when I am in London. I cannot express how thankful I am for all his help with my back over the years. Wonderful service!

I've had the best physiotherapy I have ever had for both my neck and knee issues from this clinic. Has sorted constant knee pain from multiple marathon training schedules and neck/back pain that went on for years. They come fully recommended from me.

Just returned from my first visit to this practice, having recently had some appointments with a physio nearby. I was seen by Sam, and I was extremely impressed. I left feeling a lot better, and he gave me a very precise, detailed account of my problem. It's expensive, but I couldn't really recommend it more strongly on the basis of a first appointment.